The District of Central Saanich has received $400,000 from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant to upgrade a critical road crossing that will connect the Lochside Trail at Mount Newton Cross Road, near the McDonalds, to Lochside Drive.
Mt Newton Pathway Phase 1
The bike lanes will be separated from traffic and link to an upgraded intersection at Mount Newton Cross Road and Lochside Drive that will be a four-way stop with bike crossing. Construction is expected in 2024.
Mt Newton Pathway Phase 2
The District has also recently earmarked funding for a separated multi-use trail along Mount Newton from the highway up to Saanichton Village. Conceptual drawings are in the works and public engagement is planned for later this year with construction expected in 2025. This piece of the project is worth more than $1 million and made possible by a $5.5 million grant from the province’s Growing Communities Fund, a one-time grant allocated to all BC municipalities based on population and growth.
Completing the Active Transportation Network
Both projects are high priorities of Central Saanich’s Active Transportation Plan and will help complete gaps in the network by providing better access to the Lochside Trail and a safe route between Saanichton Village and Tsawout First Nation.
Residents can learn more about planned active transportation improvements at CSaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation.